Sports
Montreal Tigers squad for GT20 Canada has Whatmore excited
Brampton: Renowned coach Dav Whatmore has expressed his excitement to have a bunch of “incredibly talented players” in the Montreal Tigers squad as they gear up for the Global T20 Canada. The Tigers are among six teams participating the event which will be held from July 20 in Ontario. The squad comprises some of the world’s finest T20 players including Shakib Al Hassan, Andre Russell, Chris Lynn and Carlos Brathwaite.
With less than 20 days to go, the Global T20 Canada will be held at the CAA Centre in Brampton, and is all set to captivate fans across the globe. Amongst the six participating teams in the third edition of the marquee tournament are the Tigers under the guidance of the coaching maestro, Dav Whatmore.
The previous two editions of the competition have seen the Montreal Tigers secure the fifth position on the points table consecutively, however, for this year’s edition they are fielding a rejuvenated squad and are eager to catapult into title contenders.
Whatmore opened up on the exciting squad mix and the team philosophy. “We’ve had a great draft, and I must say we’ve acquired some incredibly talented players to form our squad, that has all of us excited.”
He added: “In a league full of amazing talent, we’ve had the privilege of selecting amazing players who will blow us away with their potential and skills. These individuals possess a unique combination of natural ability, determination and a strong desire for success. I can’t wait to see them in action, representing the Montreal Tigers.”
Whatmore also opened about the team philosophy that drove their decision making ahead of the player draft and the culture he envisions for the team. “Building a successful team involves more than just numbers and statistics, it is about recognising those special qualities that make certain individuals stand out and change the game.
“As a coach it is my responsibility to look beyond the obvious. We believe in nurturing talent, providing opportunities and creating an environment where every player can thrive, we firmly believe every player regardless of their background or experience deserves a fair chance to showcase their abilities and leave their mark on the cricketing world,” he said.
Whatmore reiterated his confidence in his team. “Cricket fans, keep your eyes open, the Montreal Tigers are all set to roar louder than ever in Season 3 of GT20.”
The Montreal Tigers will begin their pursuit of the trophy on the second day of the tournament, where they will take on the new entrants, Surrey Jaguars.
Tickets are available on www.gt20.ca
Montreal Tigers squad: Andre Russell, Shakib Al Hasan, Chris Lynn, Sherfane Rutherford, Carlos Brathwaite, Muhammad Abbas Afridi, Zahir Khan, Muhammad Waseem, Akif Raja, Aayan Khan, Dipendra Airee, Kaleem Sana, Srimantha Wijeratne, Matthew Spoors, Bupendra Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Anoop Chima
Emirates Dubai 7s is returning to The Sevens Stadium from November 27 to 29, with tickets now on sale for the three-day sports and entertainment festival.
The 2026 edition will bring together international rugby, amateur sports, live music and family entertainment, with organisers promising a bigger programme than previous years.
The festival attracted more than 88,000 visitors in 2025 and will again take place during the final weekend of the Dubai Fitness Challenge.
Ticket prices
Ticket prices for General Admission and Hospitality have stayed the same for a third consecutive year.
Three-day General Admission tickets cost Dh595 per person, while the three-day Family Pass is Dh1,136 for two adults and two children.
Other ticket options
- Group pass: Dh446 per person for four or more adults
- Saturday or Sunday: Dh455
- Friday: Dh75
- Under 15s: Free
- People of Determination + carer: Dh375
Tickets can be purchased through the Emirates Dubai 7s website and app.
Bigger family attractions
Family entertainment will get a major boost this year as the UAE celebrates the Year of the Family.
The festival will feature its biggest-ever Kids’ Zone, including the UAE’s largest inflatable kids’ zone, along with a Ferris wheel and zipline. More attractions are expected to be announced ahead of the event.
Six sports and top rugby action
Alongside elite rugby, visitors can watch or take part in competitions across six sports — rugby, netball, cricket, WODON3 fitness, Rebound padel and Gaelic Football.
Gaelic Football will join the festival for the first time in 2026.
The Sevens Stadium will also host the opening round of the HSBC SVNS Series 2027, bringing the world’s leading rugby sevens players to Dubai.
The WODON3 Elite final will take place on Pitch 1 between HSBC SVNS matches, with competitors potentially performing in front of crowds of up to 20,000.
Music all weekend
Live entertainment will run throughout the festival, with local and international artists performing across three days.
Last year’s line-up included Tinie Tempah, Sean Paul and Fisher, while the 2026 headline acts will be announced later.
For a premium experience, The Sunroom returns with all-inclusive food and drinks, shaded seating, prime sporting views and dedicated access. Packages start from Dh1,925 per person.
With sport, music and family attractions packed into one weekend, Emirates Dubai 7s is gearing up for another big Dubai event.
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